A report in the "USA Today" newspaper has alleged that the three biggest phone companies in the United States have been handing over call records to the National Security Agency.
Bush today made a special statement at the White House on the reports. He said U.S. agencies are spying only on terrorism suspects.
"First, our intelligence activities strictly target Al-Qaeda and their known affiliates," he said. "Al-Qaeda is our enemy and we want to know their plans. Second, the government does not listen to domestic phone calls without court approval. Third, the intelligence activities I authorized are lawful."
Bush assured Americans their privacy is being "fiercely protected." He said the government "is not mining or trolling" through the personal lives of innocent Americans.
(compiled from agency reports)
